All staff, patients and visitors will be banned from lighting up anywhere in the building or grounds of the north Liverpool site.

The hospital Trust is the second to join the city's smoke free drive following the Royal Liverpool University, which introduced a ban two months ago.

But it will be the first to hand out sugar-free mints as an alternative for smokers. The mints, provided by Heart of Mersey, aim to help staff when they ask patients and visitors to the hospital not to light-up on site. They carry the words 'want to quit?' and the local free-phone helpline number for support on giving up.

Pippa Sargent, Smoke Free Programme Manager for Heart of Mersey said: "Going smoke free is a positive move, and this is a great opportunity to look at the lighter side of this issue. It is not about victimising smokers, but about offering support to the 70% of smokers who want to quit.

"Examples from abroad have seen smoke free policies widely accepted. In a hospital environment it is even more important to send a clear message that second hand smoke is unacceptable."

The move follows Liverpool's bid to make the city smoke free. A bill, which would have seen the city become the first in the country to ban lighting up in all workplaces, has been delayed by the House of Lords.

If the legislation gets back on track, a third reading is likely in the summer, it is hoped it will become law in 18 months.

measures introduced to support their patients, staff and visitors as the new rules come into force.

Support groups, medical advice and nicotine replacement treatments are also available.

Heart of Mersey will be offering the mints to all hospitals across Merseyside as they go smoke free over the coming months.

James Birrell, Chief Executive of Aintree Hospital said "We are determined that the dangers from second hand smoke will become a thing of the past and I am proud of the lead Aintree has taken with this initiative."